Dry eye (also called dry eye syndrome) happens when your eyes don't make enough tears or your tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the surface of the eye irritated, gritty, or burning. It is very common, often part of normal aging, and is usually a chronic, manageable condition rather than something that fully self-resolves — mild flare-ups from screen time or dry air may settle on their own, but persistent dry eye needs ongoing care. The standard approach is a stepwise one: start with over-the-counter artificial tears and simple self-care, and only move to prescription medicines, prescribed and supervised by a doctor, if symptoms don't improve.
Available without a prescription — follow each label.
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium (carmellose) lubricant eye drops Refresh, TheraTears Ocular lubricant / artificial tears (demulcent) | A first-line OTC artificial tear for everyday mild-to-moderate dryness, burning, and grittiness. The FDA OTC ophthalmic monograph recognizes demulcents like carboxymethylcellulose for temporary relief of dryness and minor eye irritation. If you use drops more than about 4 times a day, choose a preservative-free single-dose vial, since frequent use of preserved drops can itself irritate the eye. |
Hypromellose (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) eye drops GenTeal, Tears Naturale Ocular lubricant / artificial tears (demulcent) | Another widely used artificial-tear demulcent for temporary relief of dryness and irritation from wind, sun, or screens. Broadly interchangeable with other artificial tears for mild symptoms; it's reasonable to try a different brand or formulation if one doesn't help after a couple of weeks. |
Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronan) eye drops Blink, Biotrue Ocular lubricant / artificial tears | A more viscous artificial tear that some people find more comforting for moderate dryness and that may stay on the eye a little longer between drops. Preservative-free versions are preferable for frequent use or sensitive eyes. |
Lubricant eye gel / nighttime ointment Systane Gel, Refresh PM, Lacri-Lube Ocular lubricant (gel/ointment) |
A doctor may prescribe these — not for self-treatment.
Ciclosporin (cyclosporine) ophthalmic emulsion Restasis Topical immunomodulator / anti-inflammatory eye drop | A prescription-only drop a doctor may start for chronic dry eye that doesn't respond to artificial tears; it targets ocular inflammation and is FDA-approved to help increase tear production in people whose tear production is reduced by inflammation. It can take weeks to months to work and must be prescribed and monitored by a clinician — never self-start. |
Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution Xiidra LFA-1 antagonist (anti-inflammatory eye drop) | An FDA-approved prescription drop for the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Like ciclosporin, it targets inflammation and is chosen and supervised by an eye doctor based on your exam — it is not an over-the-counter option. |
Corticosteroid eye drops prescribed by clinician (e.g. loteprednol, fluorometholone) Topical corticosteroid | May be prescribed short-term to calm a dry-eye flare. Steroid drops require a doctor's diagnosis and close monitoring because prolonged or unsupervised use can raise eye pressure (a glaucoma risk) and contribute to cataracts. Use only as directed by a clinician. |
Oral tetracycline-class antibiotics (e.g. doxycycline) Oral antibiotic (used for anti-inflammatory effect) | Sometimes prescribed at low dose for dry eye related to eyelid/oil-gland disease (e.g. meibomian gland dysfunction, rosacea), mainly for their anti-inflammatory action. They require a doctor's diagnosis and prescription and are not something to take on your own. |
Start simple and step up only if needed. For mild, occasional dryness (screens, dry or air-conditioned rooms, wind), regular over-the-counter artificial tears such as carboxymethylcellulose, hypromellose, or sodium hyaluronate are the recommended first step, alongside self-care: take screen breaks, blink more often, position screens slightly below eye level, use a humidifier, avoid smoke, and clean your eyelids daily. Using drops on a regular schedule (they work as prevention, not just rescue) often helps more than waiting for symptoms. If you need drops more than about four times a day or your eyes are sensitive, switch to preservative-free single-dose vials. For dryness that is worst overnight or on waking, add a lubricant gel or ointment at bedtime. Be realistic about results: artificial tears reduce symptoms, but evidence that one brand is clearly better than another is limited, so it's reasonable to try a different formulation if one doesn't help after a couple of weeks. If symptoms persist despite consistent artificial tears and self-care, that's the signal to see a doctor or optometrist rather than buying ever-stronger products — only a clinician can diagnose the underlying cause and decide whether prescription anti-inflammatory drops (ciclosporin, lifitegrast), short-term steroid drops, oral antibiotics, or tear-duct plugs are appropriate. A pharmacist can also help you choose an OTC product and tell you whether you should be referred onward.
See a doctor or optometrist for a routine appointment if dry-eye symptoms don't improve after a couple of weeks of regular artificial tears and self-care, if they keep coming back, or if the shape of your eyelids seems to be changing. Seek same-day/urgent care if you have a painful red eye, or a red eye while wearing contact lenses, as this can signal an infection. Get emergency care (call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room or urgent eye care) if you have sudden changes in your vision, new sensitivity to light, a severe headache with nausea alongside the eye problem, a very dark-red eye, an eye injury, or something stuck in the eye. Also stop a product and contact a health-care provider right away if you develop signs of an eye infection (increasing pain, redness, swelling, or discharge) after using any eye drops — the FDA notes that because drugs used in the eye bypass some of the body's natural defenses they must be sterile, and contaminated products have caused serious infections.
General reference, not medical advice, and not a substitute for your doctor or pharmacist. The right choice depends on your symptoms, health conditions, age, and other medicines — always read each label and confirm before taking anything.
| Thicker gels and ointments are usually best at bedtime because they coat the eye for longer but blur vision temporarily. A good option if your eyes feel worst on waking or you can't keep up with frequent daytime drops. Don't drive right after applying. |
Lid hygiene / warm compresses (with eyelid wipes) OcuSoft, Systane lid wipes Eyelid hygiene (supportive care) | Not a drug, but recommended self-care: warm compresses and daily eyelid cleaning can help when dryness is linked to blocked oil glands or blepharitis. Best used as an add-on to artificial tears rather than a stand-alone cure. |
Punctal plugs / referral for procedures Procedure (tear-duct occlusion) | Not a medicine: if drops aren't enough, an eye specialist may place tiny plugs in the tear ducts so tears stay on the eye longer, or discuss other procedures. This is decided and performed by a clinician. |